September 2020

St. George’s Pontesbury

Magazine 50p

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Rector & Curate Positions currently vacant Reader Emeritus

Mrs Dorothy Headland 790565 Churchwardens Mr Allen Marsden 791822

Mrs Mary Worrall 791069 Assistant Churchwardens

Mrs Helen McCall 790296 mobile 07985 312192 Mrs Heather Ryder 790359

Treasurer Mr Gerald Worrall 791069

PCC Secretary Mrs Valerie Butterworth 790587

West End Room Booking Contact Mrs Mary Worrall 791069

Organist & Choirmaster Position currently vacant Friday Club

Mrs Mary Worrall 791069

Little Dragons Mrs Valerie Butterworth 790587

Mothers’ Union Mrs Marion Elliott 792256

Prayer Chain Coordinator Mrs Mary Worrall 791069

Parish Visitors Team Mrs Marion Elliott 792256

Bell Tower Officers Captain: Mrs Sheila Bower 790294

Website Mr Richard Elliott 792256

webmaster@st-george.org.uk Magazine Editor

Mrs Sheila Bower 790294 Advertisements

Mrs Marion Elliott 792256 Printing team

Mrs Carolyn Lewis 860714 stgsprinting@gmail.com

The Parish of Pontesbury Contact details:

Contributions for St. George’s Magazine should be in by the 18TH of the previous month. It may not be possible to include

contributions received after this date until the following month.

Send E-mail & attachments to stgsmagazine@googlemail.com Please post handwritten articles to Ford Place, The Bank, Pontesbury Hill, SY5 0XX.

Website: www.st-george.org.uk

Items for inclusion in the Deanery News to be submitted by 10th of previous month to Alison Bebb - Keepers Cottage, Cruckmeole, Shrewsbury, SY5 8JN

Telephone: 01743 860158 email: alisonbebb5@gmail.com

QUOTE: History books will inevitably tell the story of a virus that swept the world in

2020. But it is up to us what that story will look like. Either… the story of a virus that … showed up the weakness, selfishness and frailty of people… or how people responded with their best, how the virus was a medical

but not a social tragedy. – Canon Will Hughes, Vicar of Petersfield, Portsmouth Diocese.

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What’s on? .... Nothing at the moment …. But when life returns to normal we’ll enjoy ….

Little Dragons A fun group for children under five and their Carers, Tuesdays 10:00 – 11:30 am in term time only. Contact: Val Butterworth 790587 or Marion Elliott 792256

Tea service Monthly, first Tuesday of the month, 2.30pm WER Contact: Marion Elliott 792256

Mothers’ Union Some Tuesdays at 2.30pm. Contact: Marion Elliott 792256

Bell ringing practice

Some Thursdays 7:30 - 9:00pm. Contact: Sheila Bower 790294

Coffee Fridays, 10:00 – 12:00 noon in the WER

Friday Club For children from Reception class to year 6. Fridays, 6:30 to 7:15pm Contact: Mary Worrall 791069

Choir practice Fridays, usually 12 noon in the church. Contact: Val Butterworth 790587

Men’s Breakfast Last Saturday of each month, 8.30am at the Horseshoes Inn. Contact: Phil Lambert 790857

Prayer Chain Contact: Mary Worrall, in confidence, 791069.

The West End Room - If You Want To Use it – Please Book It! To avoid the disappointment of double bookings, please first check availability on

the calendar on the church website, and then book your requirements with Mary Worrall 791069

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PHIL GRIFFITHS Local Plumber

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and Plumbing Repairs Undertaken. New Taps Supplied and Fitted.

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Tel: 01743 790046

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September Thoughts How did we get to September, when it was March only last week? Do you remember the parable about the Wise and

Foolish virgins (Matthew 25: 1-13), five were prepared with oil for their lamps, and five forgot, and had to go off searching for some, thus missing the party? As any good Guide or Scout could tell you, the motto ‘Be Prepared’ is a wise one to embrace in all sorts of circumstances. Well the existence of my grandchildren will attest to the fact that I’m no longer a virgin, but I was pondering this parable dur-ing early Lockdown. As so many people rushed to ensure they had sufficient supplies to sit out a nuclear winter, thank goodness for local traders, and good neighbours who ensured no-one got left behind or forgotten. It was heart warming to see how the commu-nity pulled together for the common good, as we all tried to sort out the ‘New Normal’. Like many households, ours has been on lockdown for months. The garden is looking quite tidy, the house has been cleaned within an inch of its life, and the dogs have been walked regularly whatever the weather, just to get out. We’ve watched the birds and counted butterflies, and in the absence of library trips, Amazon Kindle has done rather well out of me as I kept pur-chasing lightweight novels to read instead of watching endless re-peats on TV. We’ve been blessed in that up to now, the virus has avoided us, however, the need for staying in and being careful was taken seriously as others not very far away from us, and some of our more distant family, were less fortunate. We learned to stay in contact us-ing the internet and Zoom, and we changed our shopping habits to minimise contact with the outside world. But how many of us thought of being prepared in other ways? Mentally? Spiritually? During modern times, we have be-come accustomed to the fact that for most of us, life is relatively easy compared to that of others who live in some less fortunate parts of the world. The concept of a disease that couldn’t be cured was consigned to the past. In our part of the world, if we got our ‘flu and pneumonia jabs each autumn, and other jabs if we want-

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ed to travel, we would be OK. Diphtheria, Polio, Smallpox, Leprosy were all things of the past for many of us. Then along comes Covid 19. No drugs to fix it, no previous treatment knowledge to draw on, no idea who might bring it to you, or how it would affect you, and sadly the growing sadness of loved ones affected, family or friends made very sick, some dying, and no guarantees for any-one. I will admit to being very scared at the beginning. At home we even got our affairs in order and sorted things to help our chil-dren, should we fall victim to the illness. Only now are people talk-ing about their reactions and feelings of depression openly, and for some, the struggle has been (and continues to be) a difficult mountain to climb. I’m still frightened by the prospect of some-thing I cannot control, but I have a loving family to talk to, and good friends to share with as we all tackle it together. (All socially distanced, and wearing masks of course!). And I have my Faith. In the absence of organised church ser-vices, I have, with the help of others, found different places and ways to seek Jesus’ will. The bible studies on the church website have been invaluable in this too. And I have learned to create alternative opportunities to express myself in prayer, albeit in a disorganised, but genuinely heartfelt way. I have even found more ways to sit in the quiet and listen for answers, because life has moved more slowly, with less pressure, and we’ve been forced by circumstance to take stock. Well as autumn approaches, the church is tentatively open-ing. Alternative styles of service are being explored and becoming the norm, and we are mostly accepting that the wearing of face-masks is here to stay. I now know that a mountain of toilet rolls won’t save me, and singing happy birthday twice while I wash my hands, is not a sign of dementia, but being prepared to trust in God, engaging with Him, and doing our best to share his love with others, will ensure we will all travel forward stronger, and more prepared than we started out.

Carolyn Lewis

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QUOTE: Paul was thankful for others –brothers and sisters in Christ, fellow servants, ministry partners. In his correspondence Paul didn’t

just leave it at generalised expressions of gratitude – he often took time to identify specific individuals for whom he was grateful and to let them know how much he appreciated their contribution to his life.

Do we do that? - Nancy Leigh DeMoss

Prayer Pilgrimage

Starting in late August, Bishop Richard will be marking the return to school and work with a special prayer pilgrimage around our Diocese, on the four Saturdays leading up to the Gift Day on 20th September.

He will be visiting a total of 39 churches around the boundary of our Hereford Diocese. He is coming to the Pontesbury area on Saturday 5th September:

09:30 St. Michael & All Angels, Chirbury.

10:30 St. Michael, Ford.

11:15 St. Thomas, Great Hanwood.

Do go and join him if you can, you will be welcome at any or all of the churches at the times stated above. Full details of the Pilgrimage are on the Diocese of Hereford website.

And see the Bishop’s letter on page 27

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If you are unable to join our services, you may like to enjoy this month’s

Bible readings at home.

Date Services Readings 6th September 13th Sunday after Trinity

10.30am Holy Communion

Ezekiel 33: 7 - 11 Romans 13: 8—end Matthew 18: 15-20

13th September14th Sunday after Trinity

4.00pm Evening Prayer

Genesis 50: 15 - 21 Romans 14: 1 - 12 Matthew 18: 21—35

20th September

15th Sunday after Trinity

10.30am Giving Day

Jonah 3: 10 - 4:11 Philippians 1:21—30 Matthew 20: 1 - 16

27th September 16th Sunday after Trinity

10.30am Holy Communion

Ezekiel 18:1 - 4, 25—32 Philippians 2: 1 - 13 Matthew 21: 23 - 32

Services and Readings for this MONTH

St. GeorGe’S Prayer Chain is a small group of people who believe that prayer can make a difference. Each person within the group offers daily prayer for anyone who asks for prayer.

If you yourself or someone you know needs special prayer for any reason, please contact Mary Worrall on 01743 791069.

All information given is given in confidence. A name is enough if that is all you wish to give.

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To place an advertisement in this magazine, please email:

stgsmagazine @googlemail.com or phone: Marion Elliott 01743 792256 Disclaimer: each advert in this magazine has been devised by the advertiser in question.

St. George’s church accepts no responsibility for the standard or quality of goods and ser-

vices provided. St. George’s church accepts no liability for any loss or damage arising from

acceptance of any advertised trading.

Pontesbury WI meets on the

second Monday of each month

(except August),

at 2.00pm in Pontesbury Public

Hall.

New members are always welcome.

For more details

contact Sandra on

01743 791095

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Looking at GOD

As Harvest and the theme of fruitfulness approaches, Joe Warton of the London Institute for Contemporary Christianity considers the effect of the Holy Spirit on our lives.

The Spirit of Fruitiness But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have cru-cified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. (Galatians 5:22-25) It was quarterly review time for Max, a personal banking manager. He sat opposite his area manager, cup of tea in hand, as shoppers pootled along the High Street below. ”So”, the area manager be-gan, “How do you feel things have been going since we last met?” “Pretty good,” answered Max. “I’ve definitely been feeling calmer at work; you know, less stressed… I guess more at peace with my-self.” “I’ve noticed that too,” she responded. “You do seem calmer; less irritable. I’ve not really heard you complain about anything. Can I ask why you think this is?” That conversation happened just a few months ago, and Max was able to share how he’d recently become a Christian, and what a difference God was making in his life. When God’s Holy Spirit makes Himself at home within us, our lives change. St Paul calls this ‘the fruit of the Spirit’. Fruit is a great metaphor. The fruit of the Spirit isn’t something we stick onto the outside of our lives, like baubles on a Christmas tree. Rather, it flows out from us, as we soak up the nutrients of God’s Word and His holy presence. We cannot force out this spiritual fruit by tapping into our inner resources or by trying harder.

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Canon Paul Hardingham considers our personal resources – in light of the pandemic.

What’s in your hand? September is usually the time when we get back to our normal routines after the summer break. With the current coronavirus pandemic, it’s very different this year! However, it is still a good time to consider how God can use us to make a real difference in our workplace, school, family, friends and community. He equips us with everything we need to make His love known. When God gave Moses the job of bringing the Israelites out of Egypt, He asked the question, ‘What is in your hand?’ (Exodus 4:2). Moses was holding his staff, which represented his livelihood (what he was good at); his resources (his flock represented his wealth) and his security (which God was asking him to lay down). God asks the same question of us: What has God given you? Our gifts, temperament, experience, relationships, mind, education can be used in the work God has given us to do. How will we use them to make a difference in the places where He calls us to serve Him?

This really is about God changing us, as we ‘keep in step with the Spirit’. Healthy fruit is a sign of a healthy tree, and it shares its harvest with the surrounding ecosystem: birds, insects, Homo sapiens, and even our mortal enemies, wasps… Paul has already shown us how sin dehumanises and robs us of life, but the Spirit makes us more like Christ, the most fully alive human of all. And when we are like Him, it’s good for everyone. Fruit brings blessing. It’s a manifestation of the life of God’s king-dom, bringing the sweetness of His presence to the people and places where it’s tasted. In that way, it furthers God’s mission. The fruit in our lives is a signpost to the life-giving God. So today, do not hide your fruit under a bowl! Instead, put it out on the table, that people may taste your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. See the advert for Fruitfulness on the Front Line on page 30.

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Down 1 Rough drawing (2 Kings 16:10) (6) 2 See 24 Across 3 Underground literature (including Christian books) circulated in the So viet Union (8) 4 Lo, mash (anag.) (6) 5 The Bible’s shortest verse: ‘Jesus — ’ (John 11:35) (4) 6 ‘Can a mother forget the baby at her — and have no compassion on the child she has borne?’ (Isaiah 49:15) (6) 7 Can be seen in a dying fire (Psalm 102:3) (6) 12 ‘Send me, therefore, a man... experienced in the — of engraving, to work in Judah and Jerusalem’ (2 Chronicles 2:7) (3) 14 Second city of Cyprus (8) 15 United Nations Association (1,1,1) 16 One of the women who first heard that Jesus had risen from the dead (Mark 16:1) (6) 17 Braved (anag.) (6) 18 — of Evangelism, outreach initiative in the 1990s (6) 20 ‘Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes and — in their own sight’ (Isaiah 5:21) (6) 21 ‘Neither — nor depth... will be able to separate us from the love of God’ (Romans 8:39) (6) 23 What Jesus shed in 5 Down (4)

ACROSS: 8, KiriathJearim. 9, Toe. 10, Ill at ease. 11, Hated. 13, Miletus. 16, Started. 19, Micah. 22, Leviticus. 24, Eli. 25, Mary and Joseph. DOWN: 1, Sketch. 2, Priest. 3, Samizdat. 4, Shalom. 5, Wept. 6, Breast. 7, Embers. 12, Art. 14, Limassol. 15, UNA. 16, Salome. 17, Adverb. 18, Decade. 20, Clever. 21, Height. 23, Tear.

ANSWERS

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Your CROSSWORD for SEPTEMBER Check the church website

for how to print out this crossword

grid.

Crossword Clues Across 8 Where the Ark of the Covenant was kept for 20 years (1 Samuel 7:1) (7,6) 9 One of the parts of the body on which blood and oil were put in the ritual cleansing from infectious skin diseases (Leviticus 14:14–17) (3) 10 Uncomfortable (3,2,4) 11 ‘Yet I have loved Jacob, but Esau I have — ’ (Malachi 1:3) (5) 13 Where Paul said farewell to the elders of the church in Ephesus (Acts 20:17) (7) 16 ‘Jesus bent down and — to write on the ground with his finger’ (John 8:6) (7) 19 Prophet from Moresheth (Jeremiah 26:18) (5) 22 Comes between Exodus and Numbers (9) 24 and 2 Down ‘Then Elkanah went home to Ramah, but the boy minis ministered before the Lord under — the — ’ (1 Samuel 2:11) (3,6) 25 There was no room for them in the inn (Luke 2:7) (4,3,6)

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Feel the tug Have you ever wondered how you can be certain about who and what God really is? One Christian put it this way: “I’m reminded of the story of the little boy who was out flying a kite. The wind was brisk and large bil-lowing clouds were blowing across the sky. The kite went up and up until it was entirely hidden by the clouds. Then a man came by and asked the little boy what he was doing, staring up at an empty sky. “I’m flying my kite,” he replied. The man replied: “What kite? How can you be sure it is still there? You can’t see a thing.” The little boy agreed that he could see nothing, “but every little while I feel a tug, so I know for sure that it is still up there and is connected to me!” When it comes to God, you don’t need to take anyone else’s word for it. You can find Him for yourself by inviting Jesus Christ into your life. Then you too will know by the warm wonderful tug on your heartstrings that though you can’t see Him, He is up there, and that He lives in you. You are connected!

John Ortberg, in his book It All Goes Back in the Box, speaks of Johnny, a 19-year-old with Downs syndrome. He worked at a su-permarket checkout putting people’s items into bags. To encour-age his customers, he decided to put a thought for the day into the bags. Every night his dad would help him to prepare the slips of paper and he would put the thoughts into the bags saying, ‘I hope it helps you have a good day. Thanks for coming here.’ A month later the store manager noticed that Johnny's line at the checkout was three times longer than anyone else's! People wanted John-ny's thought for the day. He wasn’t just filling bags with groceries, he was filling lives with hope! What has God given you that will help and encourage others?

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The Revd Paul Hardingham considers a best-loved psalm

Psalm 23 - a psalm for the pandemic There are few psalms as personal and real as Psalm

23. It records David’s experience of God as his Shepherd going through dark times. In the midst of the effects of a global pandem-ic, this psalm speaks to the fears that can overwhelm us. He Knows Me: ‘The Lord is my shepherd…’ Just as a good shepherd knows every sheep in his flock, so God know each one of us inti-mately. He Provides for Me: ‘He makes me lie down in green pastures…’ Just as the shepherd knows the needs of his sheep, so God will provide what we need in our lives and circumstances. He Guides Me: ‘He guides me along the right paths…’ Just as the shepherd leads the sheep to the best pastures, so God provides the best for us, as we listen and follow Him. He Protects Me: ‘Even though I walk through the darkest val-ley…’Just as the sheep have no need to fear danger when following the shepherd, so we live knowing God’s presence and protection. He Comforts Me: ‘your rod and your staff, they comfort me.’ As the shepherd’s rod defends the sheep, and the staff enables him to control the sheep, so God comforts us through His Word and disci-pline. The final verses of the psalm (v5-6) offer the security of knowing that our lives are in His hands, even through death, as He leads us

to the home we’ve been looking for all our lives. Some years ago, a great actor was asked to recite Psalm 23; he then asked one of the other guests to do the same. His remarkable rendition was followed by the other man, an older Christian speaking from the heart. Afterwards the actor said: ‘The difference be-tween us is that I know the psalm, but he knows the shepherd.

HYMNS and PSALMS

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A recent study by the Department for Environment, Food and Ru-ral Affairs has found that people who spend time by the sea re-ported increased happiness and better general health. They were also more physically active during their visit, compared with visits to other types of environment. Rebecca Pow, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the De-partment for Environment, said spending time by the sea “has a welcome impact on our wellbeing. This makes it all that more im-portant that we take care of our environment.” In England, we make 271million recreational visits to the sea each year, and more than 22million of us live within five miles of the coast.

Music and memory Have you ever heard a certain song or tune that immediately takes you back to your youth? It can be a very poignant moment. When researchers at the University of Westminster examined the choices of 80 different guests on the BBC radio show Desert Island Discs, they found that most guests had chosen music which dated back to when they had been between 10 to 30 years old. This time span was identified as a ‘self-defining period’ in their lives. The research concluded: “The music we know and love between the ages of 10 to 30 will play a significant role throughout our lives, connecting us as individuals to other people, places and times that become central to our identity.” What songs trigger the big memories for you?

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Looking at YOU

Has lockdown damaged your eyesight? Are you suffering from ‘coronavision’? It is perfectly possible. Lockdown led to many of us staring at our television or computer screens for long periods of time. And that could have strained our eyes, warns the College of Optometrists. By this summer one in five adults in Britain had reported a deteri-oration in their eyesight. Symptoms include blurred vision, difficul-ty in focussing, and red or painful eyes. As one optometrist explained: “Working from home, video calls with friends and family, watching more TV, time spent looking at your phone – all that screen time adds up. The good news is that this is unlikely to cause any permanent harm to your vision.” Nevertheless, the College urges people to get their eyes checked if they feel on-going discomfort. They also advise that when you are looking at a screen, you rest your eyes every 20 minutes, blink regularly, use eye drops, position your screen below eye level and increase the size of the text.

‘I do like to be beside the seaside!’ For centuries, many doctors have sent patients to the seaside to recu-perate, believing that a bit of sea-side air was good for them. Now the government agrees: a day by the coast does indeed have a therapeu-tic effect on you.

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Continuing a series looking at the stories BEHIND some of our favourite hymns.

HYMN: The story behind … ABIDE WITH ME One of the most famous hymns in the world came out of Brixham, near Torbay, Devon, in 1847. In those days it was a poor, obscure fishing village, and the vicar was the Rev Henry Francis Lyte. It was a discouraging place to be a pastor, but Henry felt that God wanted him there, and so he stayed, though it was lonely work, and he suffered constant ill health. By the time he was 54, Henry had contracted tuberculosis and asthma, and he and his family knew he was dying. It would have been so easy for him to look back on his life and feel a complete failure. What had he ever much accomplished? And yet – and yet – Henry knew that in life it is not worldly success that matters, but how much we respond to Jesus Christ, and how much we follow Him. In September of 1847 Henry was preparing to travel to the south of France, as was the custom for people with tuberculosis at that time. One day before he left, he read the story in the gospel of Luke about the two disciples on the road to Emmaus. They were met by Jesus on the day of His resurrection, and they invited Him to stay with them because it was getting late. “Abide with us”, they said “for it is towards evening.” “Abide with us - for it is toward evening.” These words struck a chord with Henry, who knew that it was getting ‘towards evening’ in his life. So, he sat down and wrote this hymn as a prayer to God – (the following are just some of the verses)

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Abide with me

Abide with me; fast falls the eventide; The darkness deepens; Lord, with me abide! When other helpers fail and comforts flee, Help of the helpless, O abide with me.

Swift to its close ebbs out life’s little day; Earth’s joys grow dim; its glories pass away; Change and decay in all around I see; O Thou who changest not, abide with me.

I fear no foe, with Thee at hand to bless; Ills have no weight, and tears no bitterness. Where is death’s sting? Where, grave, thy victory? I triumph still, if Thou abide with me.

Shortly after Henry wrote that hymn, he preached his last sermon. He was so ill he practically crawled into the pulpit to do so. A few weeks later, in Nice, France, he died, and so of course he never knew that his hymn would go on to become greatly loved the world over.

O loving wisdom of our God! When all was sin and shame, A second Adam to the fight And to the rescue came... Praise to the Holiest in the height, And in the depth be praise, In all his words most wonderful, Most sure in all his ways....

Ten years ago this month Cardinal John Henry Newman (1801-1890) was canonised as a saint by the Roman Catholic Church. These lines are from his great work ‘The Dream of Geronitus’, and have become a very well-loved hymn... Praise to the Holiest in the height Praise to the Holiest in the height, And in the depth be praise, In all his words most wonderful, Most sure in all his ways. And in the garden secretly, And on the cross on high, Should teach his brethren, and inspire To suffer and to die. By John Henry Newman

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subject. They come from a wide range of backgrounds, and ex-press their beliefs in a variety of different ways. What they have in common is the conviction that you don’t have to choose between science and God. As the young people in our churches prepare to return to their studies, online if not in person, let’s encourage them that science (along with many other fields) is a great way to serve God.

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God in the SCIENCES

How can a Christian be a scientist? written by Dr Ruth

M Bancewicz, who is Church Engagement Director at The Faraday Institute for Science and Religion in Cambridge. Ruth writes on the positive relationship be-tween Science and Christian faith.

I used to ask this question as a student. I wondered what it was like to have a career in science, and how being a Christian might make a difference. Eventually I met a good number of suc-cessful scientists who were sincere Christians, and I learned that science and faith are a great combination. Dr Francis Collins, for-mer Director of the project to decode the whole of human DNA, wrote that it is “possible for the scientist-believer to be intellectu-ally fulfilled and spiritually alive, both worshipping God and using the tools of science to uncover some of the awesome mysteries of His creation.” So, what do people like this make of the opportuni-ties and challenges of a life in science?

Although our beliefs may affect what we notice about the world and how we interpret our data, they don’t affect the out-come of the experiments themselves. If a Muslim and a Christian drop the same ball from the same height under identical condi-tions, it will fall at the same speed. This means that a scientist can be respected by her colleagues for doing good work, regardless of what she believes and what her colleagues think of her worldview.

Science is an exercise in observing and measuring things, and coming up with general principles about the way things are. The world has been declared by God to be ‘very good’ (see chapter one and two of Genesis), and exploring it is a way to express our gratitude to Him. Scientific discoveries can also bring a sense of awe and wonder that feeds into our worship.

Some people don’t want to get involved in certain lines of re-search because of ethical concerns. On the other hand, there are many issues that make Christians want to get stuck into new re-search that will help care for people and the rest of creation, such as medical re-search, ecology or developing appropriate technologies.

Organisations such as Christians in Science and the Faraday Institute gather together scientists who are also people of faith, and others who are interested in the

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Nigel Beeton writes: “Genesis 22 is quite a disturbing chapter, describing how Abraham was called upon to sacrifice his long awaited and much-loved son, Isaac. The account tells of Isaac’s confusion on his way up the moun-tain with his father, but his response to subsequent events is not disclosed to us…” Why has my father

brought me here? Why has my father brought me here? Upon this mountain top so high? And why do I behold a tear, Within my father’s loving eye? Where is the lamb for sacrifice To lay upon this altar wood? And where the funds to pay the price? I can’t see how this will do good. Why am I so tightly bound? My eyes are wrapped – I cannot see! I’m tied to wood, my heart does pound! Oh why has he forsaken me? Can it be my father’s plan As he takes up that awful knife That I should be the special lamb? The sacrifice be my own life? I hear a voice call “Abraham! “Don’t harm the lad! I hear your prayer! “The sacrifice should be that ram “Caught in a thicket, over there!” “And you have not withheld your son, “Despite your love, your father’s pride! “You have this day My blessing won, “And, like today, I will provide.” Why has our Father brought us here? Upon our troubles harshly tied? So far from all that we hold dear? Just trust in Him, He will provide! By Nigel Beeton

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Rev Michael Burgess considers ‘The Madonna of the Goldfinch’ by Raphael. It hangs in the Uffizi in Florence.

He gave us eyes to see them: ‘The Madonna of the Goldfinch’ by Raphael

The weeks and months of lockdown have been difficult and testing times for many of us, but they have also provided the op-portunity to look afresh at the world of nature. With less traffic on the roads, less air pollution, and less noise pollution, the sky has somehow seemed bluer and the bird song more joyful and confident.

It is appropriate that we focus this month on one such bird noted for its liquid, tinkling song - the goldfinch. In this month we also celebrate the feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary on 8 September, and so the painting is ‘The Madonna of the Goldfinch’ by Raphael.

Raphael was only 37 years old when he died in 1520, but his work is marked by maturity and great beauty. No more so than in this painting which shows Mary with a young Jesus and John the Bap-tist. You could easily miss the tiny bird which is carefully held by John and gently stroked by Jesus, who has one foot resting on His mother’s. It is an intimate, tender scene which was painted in 1505 as a wedding gift for Lorenzo Nasi. It was badly damaged by an earthquake in 1548, painstakingly restored in the early part of this century, and now hangs in the Uffizi in Florence.

As we look, we rejoice in the grace and simplicity of the scene. We look again and ask ourselves ‘Why a goldfinch?’ The bird has a red spot on its head, and legend tells that the goldfinch flew down to the cross of Calvary to take a thorn from the crown of thorns. As it pulled the thorn in its beak, its head was splashed with a drop of blood.

And so this painting of gentleness and innocence opens out into a wider canvas of redemptive love. Our thoughts move from infancy to the cross. Mary, sat on a rock, is reading ‘The Throne of Wis-dom’, and the artist is inviting us to ponder where true wisdom is found. Here, as we look at the wonder of nature and new life with a mother and children, but also as we look ahead to the ‘wisest love’ of Jesus who is our Redeemer.

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there, have served as a day chaplain at the historic building, and I minister at a parish church in the city. Built on the site of an ancient shrine to Saint Alban, Britain’s first Christian martyr, the Cathedral has been welcoming visitors for hundreds of years. It stands today as a thriving centre of worship, of community and of hospitality for thousands of pilgrims who visit the Cathedral each year. The painting’s artist, Lorna May Wadsworth, said: “I cast Jamaican-born Tafari Hinds as my Jesus to make people question the west-ern myth that He had fair hair and blue eyes. “I also knew that, from a previous portrait of Tafari, there is some-thing in his countenance that people find deeply empathetic and moving, which is the overriding quality I wanted my Christ to em-body.” Not everyone shares the artist’s perspective. A Facebook post from the Abbey promoting the installation drew 400 comments within an hour, as people from around the world hotly argued the case for and against the artwork. One person responded: “The church has not changed the colour of Jesus, they have decided to put on show a piece of art that hap-pens to depict Jesus as black. Let’s hope it just gives people a chance to question things they have always just accepted as being right.” Other comments were more critical, with a typical response, “More shameless pandering to Black Lives Matter, bringing trendy identi-ty politics into what is supposed to be the traditional church.” People may object strongly to Lorna May Wadsworth’s artwork, or they may welcome it. Either way, it provokes an important debate about the role of race in our society and how we have depicted Christ in western culture. The Abbey has stirred up a storm, but maybe that’s the only way for ingrained attitudes to be challenged, and new perspectives formed.

15

Looking at Your CHURCH

A report from the PCC, August 2020 Our recent PCC Meetings have been held using Zoom... Exciting times! The APCM was held in church on 2nd August. The Election of Offic-ers was held and the members of the PCC are now: Church Wardens - Mary Worrall (who also represents the church on the Diocesan Synod) and Allen Marsden. Assistant Wardens - Heather Ryder (who is also Electoral Roll Of-ficer) and Helen McCall. Other PCC members – Val Butterworth (Secretary), Frank Butter-worth, June Cribb (Safeguarding Officer), Marion Elliott, Caroline Harper, Alison Holmes, Chris Jones, Carolyn Lewis, Stephen Win-wood, Gerald Worrall (Treasurer). Our Deanery Synod representatives – Alison Holmes, Allen Marsden, Heather Ryder, Gerald Worrall. Fiona Fields and Lesley Copeland retired from the PCC and we thank them for their support. The names and contact information of all the Officers are dis-played, with their permission, on the WER notice board. A Zoomed PCC Meeting was held on the 14th August and on that occasion new PCC Members were welcomed by Allen Marsden. Matters under discussion at that meeting were: The upkeep of the cemetery, the Parish Share (our financial com-mitment to the Diocese) and arrangements regarding the appoint-ment of a new Rector. Future Services were discussed and those provisionally arranged for September are shown on page 6 of this magazine. Services may be subject to change if there are problems due to Covid-19 or any difficulties that arise in conducting those Services.

16

The Revd Peter Crumpler, a Church of England priest in St Albans, Hert-fordshire, reports on a recent warning from the Trussell Trust.

Churches warned to prepare for ‘tidal wave of poverty’ Church leaders are being urged to be ready to respond to the last-ing impact of the pandemic on the country’s poorest people. The effect on urban, suburban and rural communities is likely to be severe with many thousands of jobs being lost and livelihoods threatened. The poorest in society may find themselves hardest hit. Churches are being encouraged to respond to the devastating im-pact of the pandemic and to build on the numerous social projects already in place. The Trussell Trust that supports around 1200 UK foodbanks is warning of a ‘tidal wave of poverty’ poised to engulf the country. Chief Executive Emma Revie has called on church leaders to talk to their congregations about justice and compassion and to work to address the root causes of poverty. Speaking at a Bible Society webinar she encouraged church leaders “increasingly to talk to their congregations about God’s concern for justice and compassion to characterise the structures of our socie-ty: the way our benefit system works, the way our economy func-tions, people’s employment conditions and wage levels. Emma Revie said that the Trussell Trust was “very clear that food banks are not a solution to poverty” and the charity wanted “to see people experiencing fullness of life and not being trapped by pov-erty.” She praised the vital role played by churches in running foodbanks and encouraged congregations “That when we pray for our food-banks, that we would also allow ourselves room to lament the in-justices that make them necessary in the first place and seek wis-dom about how we might be part of bringing about change. “Because if we don’t concern ourselves with these things, the tidal wave of poverty is going to be too high and too powerful for us to respond to and we will see many more people being swept into destitution in the UK.”

31

God in the ARTS

The Revd Pe-ter Crumpler, a Church of England priest in St Albans, and a former communica-tions director for the CofE, offers here a personal re-flection on a new painting in St Albans Cathedral.

Abbey’s ‘black Jesus’ stirs up a storm A large-scale painting of the Last Supper depicting Jesus as a black man has sparked controversy and heated debate in the UK and around the world. I reckon that’s no bad thing. In fact, it could be really positive. St Albans Cathedral, 20 miles north of central London in leafy Hert-fordshire, has installed the painting – on show until 31stOctober – to “stand with the Black Lives Matter movement to be allies for change – building a strong, just and fair community where the dig-nity of every human being is honoured and celebrated, where black voices are heard, and where black lives matter.” The installation is a striking piece of art and it’s provoking strong reactions – just as good art should do. People are responding with a wide range of opinions. Many have welcomed the artwork, but others are outraged, accusing the Ab-bey of pandering to a ‘political correctness’ agenda. Some have de-scribed it as seeking to be ‘trendy’ and riding on the bandwagon of a popular movement. The Cathedral is a special place to me. I was ordained as a priest

30

Come and join us for the new Tuesday night zoom Deanery Course

Fruitfulness on the Frontline

When - Starting Tuesday 1st September, continuing for 8 weeks. Where – Zoom Time – 7.00pm for a 7.30pm start, until 8.50pm All you need to do is email Mark Hackney – mark.hackney@hereford.anglican.org You will then receive an invitation for the Zoom meeting. If you are unsure about using Zoom, then email Mark for help to set it up—it’s easy! To find out more about the course follow this link to two 2 minute videos called ‘Fruitfulness on the Frontline Teaser’ and ‘Discover Fruitfulness on the Frontline’. https://www.licc.org.uk/ourresources/fruitfulness/

17

At the webinar ‘Mission during lockdown and beyond,’ the Bible So-ciety published research showing that church leaders are expecting increased demand for food banks, poverty relief, mental health work, bereavement support, relationship counselling, as well as courses such as Alpha that introduce people to the Christian faith. The insights resonate with responses to the impact of the pandem-ic from other church leaders. The Bishop of Tonbridge, Simon Bur-ton-Jones, warned a Church of England webinar that the pandemic would cause growth in the ‘precariat’, the numbers of people on zero-hours contracts or juggling several jobs to survive. The bishop also forecast an increase in tension between the gener-ations, with the future particularly bleak for many young people who have lost their jobs, and those living in insecure rented ac-commodation.

Did you ever wonder just how many non-British Christians have formed their own churches within the UK? You may be surprised at how many there are! Peter Brierley reports.

The Diaspora Churches The ‘Diaspora’ Churches is a new name for what have previously been called ‘Overseas National Churches’. The Global Connections network of Christian organisations is now using this new and clear-er name – Diaspora Churches. There are dozens of different denominations which could be includ-ed under such a heading. The forthcoming new edition of UK Church Statistics lists:

33 different national Catholic Churches in the Diocese of West-minster alone, as well as others serving wider afield.

16 different Lutheran denominations, mostly based in England, but some, like the Finnish, German, Latvian, Norwegian and Polish, have work in other parts of the UK as well.

At least 26 nationalities represented by Asian or non-British White countries.

Huge numbers of black congregations from many African and Caribbean countries.

18

24 different Orthodox denominations each focussing on a par-ticular nationality.

When in non-pandemic times the congregations in the UK were worshipping God on a Sunday, His praise was being extolled in well over 100 different languages here in the UK.

Landmark book explores Celtic Christianity A retired archdeacon has told the remarkable story of Britain’s old-est centre of learning.

Philip Morris, former Archdeacon of Margam, has written the first in-depth history of the monastery and training school founded in the small Welsh town of Llantwit Major, situated on the Bristol Channel – the Welsh name it Llanilltud Fawr – more than 1,500 years ago.

St Illtud’s monastic community dates back to around 500AD and is regarded as the cradle of Celtic Christianity. It has been called the ‘Christian axis of the Celtic-speaking people’ and the ‘University of the Atlantic of the Celtic period’ by church historians.

Llanilltud – The Story of a Celtic Christian Community by Philip Morris is published by Y Lolfa and described as 'one of the greatest untold stories in British history'.

Quotes for September … Back to School… There is just one way to bring up a child in the way he should go, and that is to travel that way yourself. - Abraham Lincoln If I could get to the highest place in Athens, I would lift up my voice and say: “What mean ye, fellow citizens, that ye turn every stone to scrape wealth together, and take so little care of your children, to whom ye must one day relinquish all?” - Socrates

29

were palpable. Most of us have experienced feelings of anxiety, apprehension or concern in recent weeks as the pandemic has de-veloped. Reflecting on this and the similarities between the novel and the television production, I was struck by the blurriness of the line be-tween fiction and reality, caused by dealing with the unprecedent-ed. Since March I wonder how many times I’ve heard it said: “This is like something in a book…”; “Who’d have believed it….?” Who’d have believed it? No doubt the disciples asked the same question having seen Jesus turn water into wine, calm a storm, cure the incurable, feed a multitude with scant provisions….they too were dealing with the unprecedented, albeit of a completely different nature. No wonder they felt bewildered and full of won-der; like us, their world had been thrown into confusion. Now that we too are experiencing exceptional times, perhaps, like me, you’ll read the Gospel stories in a new light; have a deeper empathy with the disciples. We might need to rethink some events with which we’ve grappled, about which we’ve perhaps felt a little sceptical. As Christians “we have a Gospel to proclaim…” to quote the hymn writer. I hope our experience of the unprecedented will inspire us to tell with renewed enthusiasm the Good News of God’s love and salvation – which, after all, was the intention of the Gospel writers when they recorded their unprecedented experiences!

The Diocesan and Cathedral offices are cclosed until further notice, but there is a wwealth of information on the Hereford

Diocese website. Part of this is undergoing a change. In particular the Resources section is being developed as a hub of information and support. Why not take time to explore what the website has to offer? As well as written content there are numerous videos on a wide variety of topics related to our Christian faith, produced by many different people.

https://www.hereford.anglican.org/

28

Deanery of Pontesbury

DEANERY NEWS Rural Dean: The Revd Bill Rowell

telephone: 01938 552064 • email: wkrowell@btinternet.com

Deanery Thought for this month from the Revd. Maxine Neal of the Ford Group of Parishes In 2005 the crime writer Peter May, wrote the novel “Lockdown”. British editors at the time thought his portrayal of London under siege by an invisible enemy (bird flu) was unrealistic and could never happen (despite the author’s extensive research which showed it could) – so it was rejected. At the end of April 2020 “Lockdown” was published! The story is set in London, the epicentre of a global pandemic - a city in lock-down. It revolves around Detective Jack MacNeil and the discov-ery of a bag containing the remains of an unidentified child, found by construction workers building a temporary hospital. When it becomes apparent that the child has been murdered by vicious killers who are out to kill again, MacNeil finds himself in a race against time, aware he could be the next victim – of the virus or the killers. Reading the novel during lockdown, I found the similarities be-tween the book and reality startling and quite chilling, especially given that the book was written 15 years ago. Yesterday I watched the first episode of “The Salisbury Poison-ings”, originally broadcast in mid-June but, as often happens in our house, only watched weeks later! I’m aware the drama has had mixed reviews and there was much debate over its timing, but as I watched I had to keep reminding myself that this was based on real events – it wasn’t just a fictional drama. The folk in Salisbury who had to deal with something hitherto un-known were understandably uncomprehending and fearful. In May’s descriptions of London in lockdown, anxiety and a sense of panic about something that had upset the normal order of things

19

Looking at the CHURCH overseas

Pandemic amid millions of locusts The six African countries where Send a Cow works face devasta-tion, not only by the pandemic, but also the huge swarms of lo-custs which have destroyed thousands of acres of crops. In response, Send a Cow staff have supported struggling commu-nities by teaching them how to prevent the spread of the virus, as well as good hygiene. Send a Cow is also providing radio broadcasts with information, and emergency food supplies and seeds, so that the farmers do not miss the next critical planting window. Now Send a Cow is asking supporters in the UK if they could commit to a personal challenge like a run, cycle or climb, to raise funds, or maybe even simply donating on behalf of their business or family. One couple ran and cycled for 260 miles, raising £2000. “Whatever we can each do is greatly appreciated”, says Send a Cow. If you can help, go to: https://sendacow.org As the pandemic progresses, here is the latest from the

Mission Aviation Fellowship pilots… South Sudan: Although MAF South Su-dan has to fly at reduced capacity due to government restrictions, Pilot Danny Gill, has still managed to clock up 2,000 hours in bringing relief to strand-ed people in need.

Papua New Guinea: MAF has received 2,000 home-made face masks from Australia, courtesy of MAF supporters with super sew-ing skills. They are being allocated to each passenger who boards a MAF PNG flight.

20

Angola: MAF has been granted special permission for a couple of emergency flights each week to take sick people in isolated places to hospital. Pilot Marijn Goud says: “MAF get to fly even when An-golan airspace is completely closed down - how cool is that?!’’ Yemen has seen enough suffering, even before the pandemic hit…

Tearfund in Yemen People are struggling to survive as Yemen faces the world’s big-gest humanitarian crisis. More than 24 million people need urgent aid, safe water, food and sanitation. The country is on the brink of famine and facing complete meltdown. Through its partners in Yemen, Tearfund has been responding with medical help and providing safe water, food, seeds and farming tools. Just one example of the thousands of people whom Tearfund has helped is Samed, a father of four who suffers from severe scoliosis (curvature of the spine). He and his wife were forced to send their children out begging, just in order to stay alive. Then the local Tearfund partner began bringing Samed’s family regular supplies of flour, beans, sugar and salt. Samed says: “I thank God that our children no longer have to beg.” If you can help, visit https://www.tearfund.org Please support Tearfund’s Yemen Appeal – your prayers and gifts are urgently needed.

Thoughts?

Television has been the single greatest shaper of emptiness. -Ravi Zacharias

Why is it that saying: "Have a nice day" sounds friendly, but saying "Enjoy your next 24 hours"

sounds threatening?

27

Watch and listen on YouTube to the various videos produced for our diocese.

THE DIOCESE OF HEREFORD SEPTEMBER 2020

Dear Friends

I hope that as you read this you will have had a good summer. For the last few months, I have spent a lot of time indoors! However, I’m delighted that as lockdown restrictions have eased a bit I shall be hitting the road around the Diocese on the four Saturdays lead-ing up to our Diocesan Gift Day on September 20th. My plan is to visit every benefice around the diocesan land boundary over those four days and lead whoever joins me in prayer for the life of our diocesan family. The times and venues can be found on the dioce-san website or from your parish priest.

All that we do as Christians is based in prayer. However, the focus of this praying is particularly towards our gift day. Churches throughout the Diocese have faced unprecedented financial chal-lenges due to COVID-19. Fundraising events have ground to a halt and fee income has dried up. Yet ministry still needs to be funded. In all of our churches what is given is received back in the form of clergy ministry and support. For most churches this doesn’t cover the actual cost, so the gap is funded either through the generosity of other parishes giving over and above their own provision, or through our historic reserves.

I hope our Gift Day will be an opportunity to give thanks to God for His love and generosity towards us. I hope that it will enable us to contribute over and above our normal giving to the life changing ministry that is transforming lives all across our Diocese.

The importance of the four days of prayer leading up to September 20 is to reinforce that giving is part of our discipleship. Even if you can’t join us at one of the venues, I hope you would be able to join us in prayer at home or in your parish.

As someone once said, “prayer moves the hand that moves the world.”

As we face the effects of this crisis together, it can also move our hearts to sacrificial generosity and love.

I so look forward to meeting many of you in the coming weeks.

With every blessing

+Richard

26

Oberammergau Megan Carter writes: “Oberammergau is a small village in Bavaria, Germany. When in 1633 bubonic plague was sweep-ing through Europe, a man travel-ling back home to Oberammergau for Christmas brought the plague with him. It spread throughout the village. According to local tradition, a vow was made that if God would spare them, the villagers would perform a play de-picting the life and passion of Jesus Christ every ten years. The village was saved from all effects of the plague and the villagers kept their word and first performed the Passion Play in 1634. It has since been performed every ten years.” (The 2020 Play has been rescheduled for May 2022, due to the pandemic).

Death stalked the streets in the Bavarian village As the plague brought havoc, death and despair, Europe was ravaged as millions died, Neither man or woman or child was spared. They gathered together in desperation A vow was given – if they could be saved A play would be made of the Saviour’s life This was the promise the villagers gave. Miracle of miracles their village survived, Not one more death their lives had been saved, So every ten years this Play is performed To honour the God who had come to their aid. Prayers were made and the answer came A heavenly lesson we too can own, That He who dwells in ineffable light Is also the One who brings blessings down. By Megan Carter

21

If you shop at the Co-op in Pontesbury you may like to join in the fundraising there to help our local community.

Shrewsbury Food Bank organises and distributes parcels of donated food, toiletries, cleaning products and house-hold items to individuals and families every week. They seek to help those that find themselves in times of real

hardship by addressing their most basic of needs - food and household items.

People who are in temporary accommodation could be anyone who loses their home. Often this accommodation has very limited facilities which means ‘Kettle only’ parcels are provided to accommodate this.

We cannot currently collect items at church for the foodbank, but monetary donations are very welcome indeed.

Look on the website, for details of how you can help this good cause.

https://www.barnabascommunityprojects.org/donations

St. George’s PARISH VISITORS

Would you, or someone you know, appreciate some help or a phone call? Maybe you’re feeling lonely,

isolated, in need of support and friendship? We may not be able to visit you at this time, but

St. George’s Church has a team of friendly people w who would love to phone you -

if we can help, we will!

Call in confidence: Phone Marion Elliott 01743 792256

Looking at Your COMMUNITY

See page 40 for contact information

22

A Message from Irene, on behalf of The Society: Hello Everyone,

Normally at this time of year I would be sending out invitations for my coffee morning, where I

would be gathering your Children’s Society collection boxes. As we are now in strange times, I would like to ask you to hold on to your boxes for the time being.

Some of you are counting the coins, and bagging them up for me, which is a great help, and if you are doing this please mark up the contents of each bag.

Our collections are still vitally important in helping the children. But as well as donating, could you spend a moment to look at the Children’s Society website to see what’s going on? https://www.childrenssociety.org.uk/

Read about what the Society is doing …

Right now, in Britain today, there are children and young people who feel scared, unloved and unable to cope. These are the children and young people we work with. We listen... We support... We act... We help make small changes that make a big difference. Because no child should feel alone.

Thousands of children from migrant families at risk of hunger unless free school meals are extended, charities warn. Demand the Government doesn't stop free school meals for migrant families.

Young people's lives have been on hold since the pandemic. ...Anxiety, depression, loneliness and isolation, phobia, stress.. wWe asked young people how they've been finding it. ttThe coronavirus has disrupted the life of every child in the country. We're doing everything we can to support the emo-

tional and mental resilience of young people through this crisis.

We're advising Hollyoaks on their 'county lines' storyline to raise aware-ness of the impact of child criminal exploitation, when gangs and crime net-works groom and exploit children to sell drugs.

I will be in touch with further information at the appropriate time. In the meantime, keep safe. Kindest regards,

From Irene Parker (01743)790145

25

In the NEWS

MU’s ‘Thank YoU keY Workers’ appeal The Mothers’ Union wants to help families of key workers by offer-ing them a range of free day trips/experiences and short breaks. It is appealing to MU supporters to help make this possible. As a spokeswoman for MU explains: “There has been an outpouring of compassion and care during the crisis from our hospital workers to our delivery drivers, carers to cleaners and our refuse collectors to bus drivers. But because of their personal sacrifices, quality fam-ily time has not always been possible. “Therefore, we are extending our existing Away from it all Pro-gramme (AFIA) to say a special ‘thank you’ to key workers in these unprecedented times. “Any donation will help provide a range of day trips/experiences and short breaks for families of key workers, especially for those who have been kept apart or who are on low incomes - fami-lies who would generally be unable to have experiences like this.” If you would like to send a donation, go to: Say thank you to a keyworkers family today - Donate now

QUOTE: Prayer is not about doing lots and lots of things,

but clearing the space for God to be there. – Rowan Williams, former Archbishop of Canterbury

24

Next to you and lonely (Matthew 25:40)

Cups of tea and people, People who do and who know. People with purposeful expressions, Their eyes searching beyond her, through her, The invisible one. She’s next to you and she’s lonely. Smiles and one-way conversations, With thoughts and eyes elsewhere, Never noticing the masks of brightness Hiding hurting children, The tired ones, Who are next to you and lonely. And the makers of the cups of tea, The knowers and the doers, Those who smile and seem to have so much. They too wear masks that hide their crying, The together ones Sit next to you and are lonely. By Daphne Kitching

23

Every good wish from Val … and best wishes from we three, George, Uncle Sam & Idris.

September already and still uncertainty about if, when and how we will continue to meet at Little Dragons. We await further advice and instruction from the Diocese of Hereford. In the meantime: a pinch of doggerel.

George, Sam and Idris, feel all alone Here in the cupboard without laptop or phone. Where are our friends? Dragons big or small? No sign of anyone, no one at all! If you are passing, please open our door. Our basket awaits you, there on the floor. We are so lonely and hope you will peep Into our dwelling, though we might be asleep! And even if sleeping, we will know you have been To visit the dragons, alone and unclean! For Val hasn’t bathed us to be ready to share With all Little Dragons the toys waiting there. So, please, please remember, as you’re passing by Thinking and wondering, as well you might! As you perhaps light a candle or say a small prayer; Remember three dragons, awaiting you there.

QUOTE: Character is not made in a crisis – it is only exhibited. - Robert Freeman

24

Next to you and lonely (Matthew 25:40)

Cups of tea and people, People who do and who know. People with purposeful expressions, Their eyes searching beyond her, through her, The invisible one. She’s next to you and she’s lonely. Smiles and one-way conversations, With thoughts and eyes elsewhere, Never noticing the masks of brightness Hiding hurting children, The tired ones, Who are next to you and lonely. And the makers of the cups of tea, The knowers and the doers, Those who smile and seem to have so much. They too wear masks that hide their crying, The together ones Sit next to you and are lonely. By Daphne Kitching

23

Every good wish from Val … and best wishes from we three, George, Uncle Sam & Idris.

September already and still uncertainty about if, when and how we will continue to meet at Little Dragons. We await further advice and instruction from the Diocese of Hereford. In the meantime: a pinch of doggerel.

George, Sam and Idris, feel all alone Here in the cupboard without laptop or phone. Where are our friends? Dragons big or small? No sign of anyone, no one at all! If you are passing, please open our door. Our basket awaits you, there on the floor. We are so lonely and hope you will peep Into our dwelling, though we might be asleep! And even if sleeping, we will know you have been To visit the dragons, alone and unclean! For Val hasn’t bathed us to be ready to share With all Little Dragons the toys waiting there. So, please, please remember, as you’re passing by Thinking and wondering, as well you might! As you perhaps light a candle or say a small prayer; Remember three dragons, awaiting you there.

QUOTE: Character is not made in a crisis – it is only exhibited. - Robert Freeman

22

A Message from Irene, on behalf of The Society: Hello Everyone,

Normally at this time of year I would be sending out invitations for my coffee morning, where I

would be gathering your Children’s Society collection boxes. As we are now in strange times, I would like to ask you to hold on to your boxes for the time being.

Some of you are counting the coins, and bagging them up for me, which is a great help, and if you are doing this please mark up the contents of each bag.

Our collections are still vitally important in helping the children. But as well as donating, could you spend a moment to look at the Children’s Society website to see what’s going on? https://www.childrenssociety.org.uk/

Read about what the Society is doing …

Right now, in Britain today, there are children and young people who feel scared, unloved and unable to cope. These are the children and young people we work with. We listen... We support... We act... We help make small changes that make a big difference. Because no child should feel alone.

Thousands of children from migrant families at risk of hunger unless free school meals are extended, charities warn. Demand the Government doesn't stop free school meals for migrant families.

Young people's lives have been on hold since the pandemic. ...Anxiety, depression, loneliness and isolation, phobia, stress.. wWe asked young people how they've been finding it. ttThe coronavirus has disrupted the life of every child in the country. We're doing everything we can to support the emo-

tional and mental resilience of young people through this crisis.

We're advising Hollyoaks on their 'county lines' storyline to raise aware-ness of the impact of child criminal exploitation, when gangs and crime net-works groom and exploit children to sell drugs.

I will be in touch with further information at the appropriate time. In the meantime, keep safe. Kindest regards,

From Irene Parker (01743)790145

25

In the NEWS

MU’s ‘Thank YoU keY Workers’ appeal The Mothers’ Union wants to help families of key workers by offer-ing them a range of free day trips/experiences and short breaks. It is appealing to MU supporters to help make this possible. As a spokeswoman for MU explains: “There has been an outpouring of compassion and care during the crisis from our hospital workers to our delivery drivers, carers to cleaners and our refuse collectors to bus drivers. But because of their personal sacrifices, quality fam-ily time has not always been possible. “Therefore, we are extending our existing Away from it all Pro-gramme (AFIA) to say a special ‘thank you’ to key workers in these unprecedented times. “Any donation will help provide a range of day trips/experiences and short breaks for families of key workers, especially for those who have been kept apart or who are on low incomes - fami-lies who would generally be unable to have experiences like this.” If you would like to send a donation, go to: Say thank you to a keyworkers family today - Donate now

QUOTE: Prayer is not about doing lots and lots of things,

but clearing the space for God to be there. – Rowan Williams, former Archbishop of Canterbury

26

Oberammergau Megan Carter writes: “Oberammergau is a small village in Bavaria, Germany. When in 1633 bubonic plague was sweep-ing through Europe, a man travel-ling back home to Oberammergau for Christmas brought the plague with him. It spread throughout the village. According to local tradition, a vow was made that if God would spare them, the villagers would perform a play de-picting the life and passion of Jesus Christ every ten years. The village was saved from all effects of the plague and the villagers kept their word and first performed the Passion Play in 1634. It has since been performed every ten years.” (The 2020 Play has been rescheduled for May 2022, due to the pandemic).

Death stalked the streets in the Bavarian village As the plague brought havoc, death and despair, Europe was ravaged as millions died, Neither man or woman or child was spared. They gathered together in desperation A vow was given – if they could be saved A play would be made of the Saviour’s life This was the promise the villagers gave. Miracle of miracles their village survived, Not one more death their lives had been saved, So every ten years this Play is performed To honour the God who had come to their aid. Prayers were made and the answer came A heavenly lesson we too can own, That He who dwells in ineffable light Is also the One who brings blessings down. By Megan Carter

21

If you shop at the Co-op in Pontesbury you may like to join in the fundraising there to help our local community.

Shrewsbury Food Bank organises and distributes parcels of donated food, toiletries, cleaning products and house-hold items to individuals and families every week. They seek to help those that find themselves in times of real

hardship by addressing their most basic of needs - food and household items.

People who are in temporary accommodation could be anyone who loses their home. Often this accommodation has very limited facilities which means ‘Kettle only’ parcels are provided to accommodate this.

We cannot currently collect items at church for the foodbank, but monetary donations are very welcome indeed.

Look on the website, for details of how you can help this good cause.

https://www.barnabascommunityprojects.org/donations

St. George’s PARISH VISITORS

Would you, or someone you know, appreciate some help or a phone call? Maybe you’re feeling lonely,

isolated, in need of support and friendship? We may not be able to visit you at this time, but

St. George’s Church has a team of friendly people w who would love to phone you -

if we can help, we will!

Call in confidence: Phone Marion Elliott 01743 792256

Looking at Your COMMUNITY

See page 40 for contact information

20

Angola: MAF has been granted special permission for a couple of emergency flights each week to take sick people in isolated places to hospital. Pilot Marijn Goud says: “MAF get to fly even when An-golan airspace is completely closed down - how cool is that?!’’ Yemen has seen enough suffering, even before the pandemic hit…

Tearfund in Yemen People are struggling to survive as Yemen faces the world’s big-gest humanitarian crisis. More than 24 million people need urgent aid, safe water, food and sanitation. The country is on the brink of famine and facing complete meltdown. Through its partners in Yemen, Tearfund has been responding with medical help and providing safe water, food, seeds and farming tools. Just one example of the thousands of people whom Tearfund has helped is Samed, a father of four who suffers from severe scoliosis (curvature of the spine). He and his wife were forced to send their children out begging, just in order to stay alive. Then the local Tearfund partner began bringing Samed’s family regular supplies of flour, beans, sugar and salt. Samed says: “I thank God that our children no longer have to beg.” If you can help, visit https://www.tearfund.org Please support Tearfund’s Yemen Appeal – your prayers and gifts are urgently needed.

Thoughts?

Television has been the single greatest shaper of emptiness. -Ravi Zacharias

Why is it that saying: "Have a nice day" sounds friendly, but saying "Enjoy your next 24 hours"

sounds threatening?

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Watch and listen on YouTube to the various videos produced for our diocese.

THE DIOCESE OF HEREFORD SEPTEMBER 2020

Dear Friends

I hope that as you read this you will have had a good summer. For the last few months, I have spent a lot of time indoors! However, I’m delighted that as lockdown restrictions have eased a bit I shall be hitting the road around the Diocese on the four Saturdays lead-ing up to our Diocesan Gift Day on September 20th. My plan is to visit every benefice around the diocesan land boundary over those four days and lead whoever joins me in prayer for the life of our diocesan family. The times and venues can be found on the dioce-san website or from your parish priest.

All that we do as Christians is based in prayer. However, the focus of this praying is particularly towards our gift day. Churches throughout the Diocese have faced unprecedented financial chal-lenges due to COVID-19. Fundraising events have ground to a halt and fee income has dried up. Yet ministry still needs to be funded. In all of our churches what is given is received back in the form of clergy ministry and support. For most churches this doesn’t cover the actual cost, so the gap is funded either through the generosity of other parishes giving over and above their own provision, or through our historic reserves.

I hope our Gift Day will be an opportunity to give thanks to God for His love and generosity towards us. I hope that it will enable us to contribute over and above our normal giving to the life changing ministry that is transforming lives all across our Diocese.

The importance of the four days of prayer leading up to September 20 is to reinforce that giving is part of our discipleship. Even if you can’t join us at one of the venues, I hope you would be able to join us in prayer at home or in your parish.

As someone once said, “prayer moves the hand that moves the world.”

As we face the effects of this crisis together, it can also move our hearts to sacrificial generosity and love.

I so look forward to meeting many of you in the coming weeks.

With every blessing

+Richard

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Deanery of Pontesbury

DEANERY NEWS Rural Dean: The Revd Bill Rowell

telephone: 01938 552064 • email: wkrowell@btinternet.com

Deanery Thought for this month from the Revd. Maxine Neal of the Ford Group of Parishes In 2005 the crime writer Peter May, wrote the novel “Lockdown”. British editors at the time thought his portrayal of London under siege by an invisible enemy (bird flu) was unrealistic and could never happen (despite the author’s extensive research which showed it could) – so it was rejected. At the end of April 2020 “Lockdown” was published! The story is set in London, the epicentre of a global pandemic - a city in lock-down. It revolves around Detective Jack MacNeil and the discov-ery of a bag containing the remains of an unidentified child, found by construction workers building a temporary hospital. When it becomes apparent that the child has been murdered by vicious killers who are out to kill again, MacNeil finds himself in a race against time, aware he could be the next victim – of the virus or the killers. Reading the novel during lockdown, I found the similarities be-tween the book and reality startling and quite chilling, especially given that the book was written 15 years ago. Yesterday I watched the first episode of “The Salisbury Poison-ings”, originally broadcast in mid-June but, as often happens in our house, only watched weeks later! I’m aware the drama has had mixed reviews and there was much debate over its timing, but as I watched I had to keep reminding myself that this was based on real events – it wasn’t just a fictional drama. The folk in Salisbury who had to deal with something hitherto un-known were understandably uncomprehending and fearful. In May’s descriptions of London in lockdown, anxiety and a sense of panic about something that had upset the normal order of things

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Looking at the CHURCH overseas

Pandemic amid millions of locusts The six African countries where Send a Cow works face devasta-tion, not only by the pandemic, but also the huge swarms of lo-custs which have destroyed thousands of acres of crops. In response, Send a Cow staff have supported struggling commu-nities by teaching them how to prevent the spread of the virus, as well as good hygiene. Send a Cow is also providing radio broadcasts with information, and emergency food supplies and seeds, so that the farmers do not miss the next critical planting window. Now Send a Cow is asking supporters in the UK if they could commit to a personal challenge like a run, cycle or climb, to raise funds, or maybe even simply donating on behalf of their business or family. One couple ran and cycled for 260 miles, raising £2000. “Whatever we can each do is greatly appreciated”, says Send a Cow. If you can help, go to: https://sendacow.org As the pandemic progresses, here is the latest from the

Mission Aviation Fellowship pilots… South Sudan: Although MAF South Su-dan has to fly at reduced capacity due to government restrictions, Pilot Danny Gill, has still managed to clock up 2,000 hours in bringing relief to strand-ed people in need.

Papua New Guinea: MAF has received 2,000 home-made face masks from Australia, courtesy of MAF supporters with super sew-ing skills. They are being allocated to each passenger who boards a MAF PNG flight.

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24 different Orthodox denominations each focussing on a par-ticular nationality.

When in non-pandemic times the congregations in the UK were worshipping God on a Sunday, His praise was being extolled in well over 100 different languages here in the UK.

Landmark book explores Celtic Christianity A retired archdeacon has told the remarkable story of Britain’s old-est centre of learning.

Philip Morris, former Archdeacon of Margam, has written the first in-depth history of the monastery and training school founded in the small Welsh town of Llantwit Major, situated on the Bristol Channel – the Welsh name it Llanilltud Fawr – more than 1,500 years ago.

St Illtud’s monastic community dates back to around 500AD and is regarded as the cradle of Celtic Christianity. It has been called the ‘Christian axis of the Celtic-speaking people’ and the ‘University of the Atlantic of the Celtic period’ by church historians.

Llanilltud – The Story of a Celtic Christian Community by Philip Morris is published by Y Lolfa and described as 'one of the greatest untold stories in British history'.

Quotes for September … Back to School… There is just one way to bring up a child in the way he should go, and that is to travel that way yourself. - Abraham Lincoln If I could get to the highest place in Athens, I would lift up my voice and say: “What mean ye, fellow citizens, that ye turn every stone to scrape wealth together, and take so little care of your children, to whom ye must one day relinquish all?” - Socrates

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were palpable. Most of us have experienced feelings of anxiety, apprehension or concern in recent weeks as the pandemic has de-veloped. Reflecting on this and the similarities between the novel and the television production, I was struck by the blurriness of the line be-tween fiction and reality, caused by dealing with the unprecedent-ed. Since March I wonder how many times I’ve heard it said: “This is like something in a book…”; “Who’d have believed it….?” Who’d have believed it? No doubt the disciples asked the same question having seen Jesus turn water into wine, calm a storm, cure the incurable, feed a multitude with scant provisions….they too were dealing with the unprecedented, albeit of a completely different nature. No wonder they felt bewildered and full of won-der; like us, their world had been thrown into confusion. Now that we too are experiencing exceptional times, perhaps, like me, you’ll read the Gospel stories in a new light; have a deeper empathy with the disciples. We might need to rethink some events with which we’ve grappled, about which we’ve perhaps felt a little sceptical. As Christians “we have a Gospel to proclaim…” to quote the hymn writer. I hope our experience of the unprecedented will inspire us to tell with renewed enthusiasm the Good News of God’s love and salvation – which, after all, was the intention of the Gospel writers when they recorded their unprecedented experiences!

The Diocesan and Cathedral offices are cclosed until further notice, but there is a wwealth of information on the Hereford

Diocese website. Part of this is undergoing a change. In particular the Resources section is being developed as a hub of information and support. Why not take time to explore what the website has to offer? As well as written content there are numerous videos on a wide variety of topics related to our Christian faith, produced by many different people.

https://www.hereford.anglican.org/

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Come and join us for the new Tuesday night zoom Deanery Course

Fruitfulness on the Frontline

When - Starting Tuesday 1st September, continuing for 8 weeks. Where – Zoom Time – 7.00pm for a 7.30pm start, until 8.50pm All you need to do is email Mark Hackney – mark.hackney@hereford.anglican.org You will then receive an invitation for the Zoom meeting. If you are unsure about using Zoom, then email Mark for help to set it up—it’s easy! To find out more about the course follow this link to two 2 minute videos called ‘Fruitfulness on the Frontline Teaser’ and ‘Discover Fruitfulness on the Frontline’. https://www.licc.org.uk/ourresources/fruitfulness/

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At the webinar ‘Mission during lockdown and beyond,’ the Bible So-ciety published research showing that church leaders are expecting increased demand for food banks, poverty relief, mental health work, bereavement support, relationship counselling, as well as courses such as Alpha that introduce people to the Christian faith. The insights resonate with responses to the impact of the pandem-ic from other church leaders. The Bishop of Tonbridge, Simon Bur-ton-Jones, warned a Church of England webinar that the pandemic would cause growth in the ‘precariat’, the numbers of people on zero-hours contracts or juggling several jobs to survive. The bishop also forecast an increase in tension between the gener-ations, with the future particularly bleak for many young people who have lost their jobs, and those living in insecure rented ac-commodation.

Did you ever wonder just how many non-British Christians have formed their own churches within the UK? You may be surprised at how many there are! Peter Brierley reports.

The Diaspora Churches The ‘Diaspora’ Churches is a new name for what have previously been called ‘Overseas National Churches’. The Global Connections network of Christian organisations is now using this new and clear-er name – Diaspora Churches. There are dozens of different denominations which could be includ-ed under such a heading. The forthcoming new edition of UK Church Statistics lists:

33 different national Catholic Churches in the Diocese of West-minster alone, as well as others serving wider afield.

16 different Lutheran denominations, mostly based in England, but some, like the Finnish, German, Latvian, Norwegian and Polish, have work in other parts of the UK as well.

At least 26 nationalities represented by Asian or non-British White countries.

Huge numbers of black congregations from many African and Caribbean countries.

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The Revd Peter Crumpler, a Church of England priest in St Albans, Hert-fordshire, reports on a recent warning from the Trussell Trust.

Churches warned to prepare for ‘tidal wave of poverty’ Church leaders are being urged to be ready to respond to the last-ing impact of the pandemic on the country’s poorest people. The effect on urban, suburban and rural communities is likely to be severe with many thousands of jobs being lost and livelihoods threatened. The poorest in society may find themselves hardest hit. Churches are being encouraged to respond to the devastating im-pact of the pandemic and to build on the numerous social projects already in place. The Trussell Trust that supports around 1200 UK foodbanks is warning of a ‘tidal wave of poverty’ poised to engulf the country. Chief Executive Emma Revie has called on church leaders to talk to their congregations about justice and compassion and to work to address the root causes of poverty. Speaking at a Bible Society webinar she encouraged church leaders “increasingly to talk to their congregations about God’s concern for justice and compassion to characterise the structures of our socie-ty: the way our benefit system works, the way our economy func-tions, people’s employment conditions and wage levels. Emma Revie said that the Trussell Trust was “very clear that food banks are not a solution to poverty” and the charity wanted “to see people experiencing fullness of life and not being trapped by pov-erty.” She praised the vital role played by churches in running foodbanks and encouraged congregations “That when we pray for our food-banks, that we would also allow ourselves room to lament the in-justices that make them necessary in the first place and seek wis-dom about how we might be part of bringing about change. “Because if we don’t concern ourselves with these things, the tidal wave of poverty is going to be too high and too powerful for us to respond to and we will see many more people being swept into destitution in the UK.”

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God in the ARTS

The Revd Pe-ter Crumpler, a Church of England priest in St Albans, and a former communica-tions director for the CofE, offers here a personal re-flection on a new painting in St Albans Cathedral.

Abbey’s ‘black Jesus’ stirs up a storm A large-scale painting of the Last Supper depicting Jesus as a black man has sparked controversy and heated debate in the UK and around the world. I reckon that’s no bad thing. In fact, it could be really positive. St Albans Cathedral, 20 miles north of central London in leafy Hert-fordshire, has installed the painting – on show until 31stOctober – to “stand with the Black Lives Matter movement to be allies for change – building a strong, just and fair community where the dig-nity of every human being is honoured and celebrated, where black voices are heard, and where black lives matter.” The installation is a striking piece of art and it’s provoking strong reactions – just as good art should do. People are responding with a wide range of opinions. Many have welcomed the artwork, but others are outraged, accusing the Ab-bey of pandering to a ‘political correctness’ agenda. Some have de-scribed it as seeking to be ‘trendy’ and riding on the bandwagon of a popular movement. The Cathedral is a special place to me. I was ordained as a priest

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there, have served as a day chaplain at the historic building, and I minister at a parish church in the city. Built on the site of an ancient shrine to Saint Alban, Britain’s first Christian martyr, the Cathedral has been welcoming visitors for hundreds of years. It stands today as a thriving centre of worship, of community and of hospitality for thousands of pilgrims who visit the Cathedral each year. The painting’s artist, Lorna May Wadsworth, said: “I cast Jamaican-born Tafari Hinds as my Jesus to make people question the west-ern myth that He had fair hair and blue eyes. “I also knew that, from a previous portrait of Tafari, there is some-thing in his countenance that people find deeply empathetic and moving, which is the overriding quality I wanted my Christ to em-body.” Not everyone shares the artist’s perspective. A Facebook post from the Abbey promoting the installation drew 400 comments within an hour, as people from around the world hotly argued the case for and against the artwork. One person responded: “The church has not changed the colour of Jesus, they have decided to put on show a piece of art that hap-pens to depict Jesus as black. Let’s hope it just gives people a chance to question things they have always just accepted as being right.” Other comments were more critical, with a typical response, “More shameless pandering to Black Lives Matter, bringing trendy identi-ty politics into what is supposed to be the traditional church.” People may object strongly to Lorna May Wadsworth’s artwork, or they may welcome it. Either way, it provokes an important debate about the role of race in our society and how we have depicted Christ in western culture. The Abbey has stirred up a storm, but maybe that’s the only way for ingrained attitudes to be challenged, and new perspectives formed.

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Looking at Your CHURCH

A report from the PCC, August 2020 Our recent PCC Meetings have been held using Zoom... Exciting times! The APCM was held in church on 2nd August. The Election of Offic-ers was held and the members of the PCC are now: Church Wardens - Mary Worrall (who also represents the church on the Diocesan Synod) and Allen Marsden. Assistant Wardens - Heather Ryder (who is also Electoral Roll Of-ficer) and Helen McCall. Other PCC members – Val Butterworth (Secretary), Frank Butter-worth, June Cribb (Safeguarding Officer), Marion Elliott, Caroline Harper, Alison Holmes, Chris Jones, Carolyn Lewis, Stephen Win-wood, Gerald Worrall (Treasurer). Our Deanery Synod representatives – Alison Holmes, Allen Marsden, Heather Ryder, Gerald Worrall. Fiona Fields and Lesley Copeland retired from the PCC and we thank them for their support. The names and contact information of all the Officers are dis-played, with their permission, on the WER notice board. A Zoomed PCC Meeting was held on the 14th August and on that occasion new PCC Members were welcomed by Allen Marsden. Matters under discussion at that meeting were: The upkeep of the cemetery, the Parish Share (our financial com-mitment to the Diocese) and arrangements regarding the appoint-ment of a new Rector. Future Services were discussed and those provisionally arranged for September are shown on page 6 of this magazine. Services may be subject to change if there are problems due to Covid-19 or any difficulties that arise in conducting those Services.

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Rev Michael Burgess considers ‘The Madonna of the Goldfinch’ by Raphael. It hangs in the Uffizi in Florence.

He gave us eyes to see them: ‘The Madonna of the Goldfinch’ by Raphael

The weeks and months of lockdown have been difficult and testing times for many of us, but they have also provided the op-portunity to look afresh at the world of nature. With less traffic on the roads, less air pollution, and less noise pollution, the sky has somehow seemed bluer and the bird song more joyful and confident.

It is appropriate that we focus this month on one such bird noted for its liquid, tinkling song - the goldfinch. In this month we also celebrate the feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary on 8 September, and so the painting is ‘The Madonna of the Goldfinch’ by Raphael.

Raphael was only 37 years old when he died in 1520, but his work is marked by maturity and great beauty. No more so than in this painting which shows Mary with a young Jesus and John the Bap-tist. You could easily miss the tiny bird which is carefully held by John and gently stroked by Jesus, who has one foot resting on His mother’s. It is an intimate, tender scene which was painted in 1505 as a wedding gift for Lorenzo Nasi. It was badly damaged by an earthquake in 1548, painstakingly restored in the early part of this century, and now hangs in the Uffizi in Florence.

As we look, we rejoice in the grace and simplicity of the scene. We look again and ask ourselves ‘Why a goldfinch?’ The bird has a red spot on its head, and legend tells that the goldfinch flew down to the cross of Calvary to take a thorn from the crown of thorns. As it pulled the thorn in its beak, its head was splashed with a drop of blood.

And so this painting of gentleness and innocence opens out into a wider canvas of redemptive love. Our thoughts move from infancy to the cross. Mary, sat on a rock, is reading ‘The Throne of Wis-dom’, and the artist is inviting us to ponder where true wisdom is found. Here, as we look at the wonder of nature and new life with a mother and children, but also as we look ahead to the ‘wisest love’ of Jesus who is our Redeemer.

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God in the SCIENCES

How can a Christian be a scientist? written by Dr Ruth

M Bancewicz, who is Church Engagement Director at The Faraday Institute for Science and Religion in Cambridge. Ruth writes on the positive relationship be-tween Science and Christian faith.

I used to ask this question as a student. I wondered what it was like to have a career in science, and how being a Christian might make a difference. Eventually I met a good number of suc-cessful scientists who were sincere Christians, and I learned that science and faith are a great combination. Dr Francis Collins, for-mer Director of the project to decode the whole of human DNA, wrote that it is “possible for the scientist-believer to be intellectu-ally fulfilled and spiritually alive, both worshipping God and using the tools of science to uncover some of the awesome mysteries of His creation.” So, what do people like this make of the opportuni-ties and challenges of a life in science?

Although our beliefs may affect what we notice about the world and how we interpret our data, they don’t affect the out-come of the experiments themselves. If a Muslim and a Christian drop the same ball from the same height under identical condi-tions, it will fall at the same speed. This means that a scientist can be respected by her colleagues for doing good work, regardless of what she believes and what her colleagues think of her worldview.

Science is an exercise in observing and measuring things, and coming up with general principles about the way things are. The world has been declared by God to be ‘very good’ (see chapter one and two of Genesis), and exploring it is a way to express our gratitude to Him. Scientific discoveries can also bring a sense of awe and wonder that feeds into our worship.

Some people don’t want to get involved in certain lines of re-search because of ethical concerns. On the other hand, there are many issues that make Christians want to get stuck into new re-search that will help care for people and the rest of creation, such as medical re-search, ecology or developing appropriate technologies.

Organisations such as Christians in Science and the Faraday Institute gather together scientists who are also people of faith, and others who are interested in the

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Nigel Beeton writes: “Genesis 22 is quite a disturbing chapter, describing how Abraham was called upon to sacrifice his long awaited and much-loved son, Isaac. The account tells of Isaac’s confusion on his way up the moun-tain with his father, but his response to subsequent events is not disclosed to us…” Why has my father

brought me here? Why has my father brought me here? Upon this mountain top so high? And why do I behold a tear, Within my father’s loving eye? Where is the lamb for sacrifice To lay upon this altar wood? And where the funds to pay the price? I can’t see how this will do good. Why am I so tightly bound? My eyes are wrapped – I cannot see! I’m tied to wood, my heart does pound! Oh why has he forsaken me? Can it be my father’s plan As he takes up that awful knife That I should be the special lamb? The sacrifice be my own life? I hear a voice call “Abraham! “Don’t harm the lad! I hear your prayer! “The sacrifice should be that ram “Caught in a thicket, over there!” “And you have not withheld your son, “Despite your love, your father’s pride! “You have this day My blessing won, “And, like today, I will provide.” Why has our Father brought us here? Upon our troubles harshly tied? So far from all that we hold dear? Just trust in Him, He will provide! By Nigel Beeton

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Abide with me

Abide with me; fast falls the eventide; The darkness deepens; Lord, with me abide! When other helpers fail and comforts flee, Help of the helpless, O abide with me.

Swift to its close ebbs out life’s little day; Earth’s joys grow dim; its glories pass away; Change and decay in all around I see; O Thou who changest not, abide with me.

I fear no foe, with Thee at hand to bless; Ills have no weight, and tears no bitterness. Where is death’s sting? Where, grave, thy victory? I triumph still, if Thou abide with me.

Shortly after Henry wrote that hymn, he preached his last sermon. He was so ill he practically crawled into the pulpit to do so. A few weeks later, in Nice, France, he died, and so of course he never knew that his hymn would go on to become greatly loved the world over.

O loving wisdom of our God! When all was sin and shame, A second Adam to the fight And to the rescue came... Praise to the Holiest in the height, And in the depth be praise, In all his words most wonderful, Most sure in all his ways....

Ten years ago this month Cardinal John Henry Newman (1801-1890) was canonised as a saint by the Roman Catholic Church. These lines are from his great work ‘The Dream of Geronitus’, and have become a very well-loved hymn... Praise to the Holiest in the height Praise to the Holiest in the height, And in the depth be praise, In all his words most wonderful, Most sure in all his ways. And in the garden secretly, And on the cross on high, Should teach his brethren, and inspire To suffer and to die. By John Henry Newman

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subject. They come from a wide range of backgrounds, and ex-press their beliefs in a variety of different ways. What they have in common is the conviction that you don’t have to choose between science and God. As the young people in our churches prepare to return to their studies, online if not in person, let’s encourage them that science (along with many other fields) is a great way to serve God.

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Looking at YOU

Has lockdown damaged your eyesight? Are you suffering from ‘coronavision’? It is perfectly possible. Lockdown led to many of us staring at our television or computer screens for long periods of time. And that could have strained our eyes, warns the College of Optometrists. By this summer one in five adults in Britain had reported a deteri-oration in their eyesight. Symptoms include blurred vision, difficul-ty in focussing, and red or painful eyes. As one optometrist explained: “Working from home, video calls with friends and family, watching more TV, time spent looking at your phone – all that screen time adds up. The good news is that this is unlikely to cause any permanent harm to your vision.” Nevertheless, the College urges people to get their eyes checked if they feel on-going discomfort. They also advise that when you are looking at a screen, you rest your eyes every 20 minutes, blink regularly, use eye drops, position your screen below eye level and increase the size of the text.

‘I do like to be beside the seaside!’ For centuries, many doctors have sent patients to the seaside to recu-perate, believing that a bit of sea-side air was good for them. Now the government agrees: a day by the coast does indeed have a therapeu-tic effect on you.

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Continuing a series looking at the stories BEHIND some of our favourite hymns.

HYMN: The story behind … ABIDE WITH ME One of the most famous hymns in the world came out of Brixham, near Torbay, Devon, in 1847. In those days it was a poor, obscure fishing village, and the vicar was the Rev Henry Francis Lyte. It was a discouraging place to be a pastor, but Henry felt that God wanted him there, and so he stayed, though it was lonely work, and he suffered constant ill health. By the time he was 54, Henry had contracted tuberculosis and asthma, and he and his family knew he was dying. It would have been so easy for him to look back on his life and feel a complete failure. What had he ever much accomplished? And yet – and yet – Henry knew that in life it is not worldly success that matters, but how much we respond to Jesus Christ, and how much we follow Him. In September of 1847 Henry was preparing to travel to the south of France, as was the custom for people with tuberculosis at that time. One day before he left, he read the story in the gospel of Luke about the two disciples on the road to Emmaus. They were met by Jesus on the day of His resurrection, and they invited Him to stay with them because it was getting late. “Abide with us”, they said “for it is towards evening.” “Abide with us - for it is toward evening.” These words struck a chord with Henry, who knew that it was getting ‘towards evening’ in his life. So, he sat down and wrote this hymn as a prayer to God – (the following are just some of the verses)

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The Revd Paul Hardingham considers a best-loved psalm

Psalm 23 - a psalm for the pandemic There are few psalms as personal and real as Psalm

23. It records David’s experience of God as his Shepherd going through dark times. In the midst of the effects of a global pandem-ic, this psalm speaks to the fears that can overwhelm us. He Knows Me: ‘The Lord is my shepherd…’ Just as a good shepherd knows every sheep in his flock, so God know each one of us inti-mately. He Provides for Me: ‘He makes me lie down in green pastures…’ Just as the shepherd knows the needs of his sheep, so God will provide what we need in our lives and circumstances. He Guides Me: ‘He guides me along the right paths…’ Just as the shepherd leads the sheep to the best pastures, so God provides the best for us, as we listen and follow Him. He Protects Me: ‘Even though I walk through the darkest val-ley…’Just as the sheep have no need to fear danger when following the shepherd, so we live knowing God’s presence and protection. He Comforts Me: ‘your rod and your staff, they comfort me.’ As the shepherd’s rod defends the sheep, and the staff enables him to control the sheep, so God comforts us through His Word and disci-pline. The final verses of the psalm (v5-6) offer the security of knowing that our lives are in His hands, even through death, as He leads us

to the home we’ve been looking for all our lives. Some years ago, a great actor was asked to recite Psalm 23; he then asked one of the other guests to do the same. His remarkable rendition was followed by the other man, an older Christian speaking from the heart. Afterwards the actor said: ‘The difference be-tween us is that I know the psalm, but he knows the shepherd.

HYMNS and PSALMS

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A recent study by the Department for Environment, Food and Ru-ral Affairs has found that people who spend time by the sea re-ported increased happiness and better general health. They were also more physically active during their visit, compared with visits to other types of environment. Rebecca Pow, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the De-partment for Environment, said spending time by the sea “has a welcome impact on our wellbeing. This makes it all that more im-portant that we take care of our environment.” In England, we make 271million recreational visits to the sea each year, and more than 22million of us live within five miles of the coast.

Music and memory Have you ever heard a certain song or tune that immediately takes you back to your youth? It can be a very poignant moment. When researchers at the University of Westminster examined the choices of 80 different guests on the BBC radio show Desert Island Discs, they found that most guests had chosen music which dated back to when they had been between 10 to 30 years old. This time span was identified as a ‘self-defining period’ in their lives. The research concluded: “The music we know and love between the ages of 10 to 30 will play a significant role throughout our lives, connecting us as individuals to other people, places and times that become central to our identity.” What songs trigger the big memories for you?

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Your CROSSWORD for SEPTEMBER Check the church website

for how to print out this crossword

grid.

Crossword Clues Across 8 Where the Ark of the Covenant was kept for 20 years (1 Samuel 7:1) (7,6) 9 One of the parts of the body on which blood and oil were put in the ritual cleansing from infectious skin diseases (Leviticus 14:14–17) (3) 10 Uncomfortable (3,2,4) 11 ‘Yet I have loved Jacob, but Esau I have — ’ (Malachi 1:3) (5) 13 Where Paul said farewell to the elders of the church in Ephesus (Acts 20:17) (7) 16 ‘Jesus bent down and — to write on the ground with his finger’ (John 8:6) (7) 19 Prophet from Moresheth (Jeremiah 26:18) (5) 22 Comes between Exodus and Numbers (9) 24 and 2 Down ‘Then Elkanah went home to Ramah, but the boy minis ministered before the Lord under — the — ’ (1 Samuel 2:11) (3,6) 25 There was no room for them in the inn (Luke 2:7) (4,3,6)

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Feel the tug Have you ever wondered how you can be certain about who and what God really is? One Christian put it this way: “I’m reminded of the story of the little boy who was out flying a kite. The wind was brisk and large bil-lowing clouds were blowing across the sky. The kite went up and up until it was entirely hidden by the clouds. Then a man came by and asked the little boy what he was doing, staring up at an empty sky. “I’m flying my kite,” he replied. The man replied: “What kite? How can you be sure it is still there? You can’t see a thing.” The little boy agreed that he could see nothing, “but every little while I feel a tug, so I know for sure that it is still up there and is connected to me!” When it comes to God, you don’t need to take anyone else’s word for it. You can find Him for yourself by inviting Jesus Christ into your life. Then you too will know by the warm wonderful tug on your heartstrings that though you can’t see Him, He is up there, and that He lives in you. You are connected!

John Ortberg, in his book It All Goes Back in the Box, speaks of Johnny, a 19-year-old with Downs syndrome. He worked at a su-permarket checkout putting people’s items into bags. To encour-age his customers, he decided to put a thought for the day into the bags. Every night his dad would help him to prepare the slips of paper and he would put the thoughts into the bags saying, ‘I hope it helps you have a good day. Thanks for coming here.’ A month later the store manager noticed that Johnny's line at the checkout was three times longer than anyone else's! People wanted John-ny's thought for the day. He wasn’t just filling bags with groceries, he was filling lives with hope! What has God given you that will help and encourage others?

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Canon Paul Hardingham considers our personal resources – in light of the pandemic.

What’s in your hand? September is usually the time when we get back to our normal routines after the summer break. With the current coronavirus pandemic, it’s very different this year! However, it is still a good time to consider how God can use us to make a real difference in our workplace, school, family, friends and community. He equips us with everything we need to make His love known. When God gave Moses the job of bringing the Israelites out of Egypt, He asked the question, ‘What is in your hand?’ (Exodus 4:2). Moses was holding his staff, which represented his livelihood (what he was good at); his resources (his flock represented his wealth) and his security (which God was asking him to lay down). God asks the same question of us: What has God given you? Our gifts, temperament, experience, relationships, mind, education can be used in the work God has given us to do. How will we use them to make a difference in the places where He calls us to serve Him?

This really is about God changing us, as we ‘keep in step with the Spirit’. Healthy fruit is a sign of a healthy tree, and it shares its harvest with the surrounding ecosystem: birds, insects, Homo sapiens, and even our mortal enemies, wasps… Paul has already shown us how sin dehumanises and robs us of life, but the Spirit makes us more like Christ, the most fully alive human of all. And when we are like Him, it’s good for everyone. Fruit brings blessing. It’s a manifestation of the life of God’s king-dom, bringing the sweetness of His presence to the people and places where it’s tasted. In that way, it furthers God’s mission. The fruit in our lives is a signpost to the life-giving God. So today, do not hide your fruit under a bowl! Instead, put it out on the table, that people may taste your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. See the advert for Fruitfulness on the Front Line on page 30.

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Down 1 Rough drawing (2 Kings 16:10) (6) 2 See 24 Across 3 Underground literature (including Christian books) circulated in the So viet Union (8) 4 Lo, mash (anag.) (6) 5 The Bible’s shortest verse: ‘Jesus — ’ (John 11:35) (4) 6 ‘Can a mother forget the baby at her — and have no compassion on the child she has borne?’ (Isaiah 49:15) (6) 7 Can be seen in a dying fire (Psalm 102:3) (6) 12 ‘Send me, therefore, a man... experienced in the — of engraving, to work in Judah and Jerusalem’ (2 Chronicles 2:7) (3) 14 Second city of Cyprus (8) 15 United Nations Association (1,1,1) 16 One of the women who first heard that Jesus had risen from the dead (Mark 16:1) (6) 17 Braved (anag.) (6) 18 — of Evangelism, outreach initiative in the 1990s (6) 20 ‘Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes and — in their own sight’ (Isaiah 5:21) (6) 21 ‘Neither — nor depth... will be able to separate us from the love of God’ (Romans 8:39) (6) 23 What Jesus shed in 5 Down (4)

ACROSS: 8, KiriathJearim. 9, Toe. 10, Ill at ease. 11, Hated. 13, Miletus. 16, Started. 19, Micah. 22, Leviticus. 24, Eli. 25, Mary and Joseph. DOWN: 1, Sketch. 2, Priest. 3, Samizdat. 4, Shalom. 5, Wept. 6, Breast. 7, Embers. 12, Art. 14, Limassol. 15, UNA. 16, Salome. 17, Adverb. 18, Decade. 20, Clever. 21, Height. 23, Tear.

ANSWERS

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To place an advertisement in this magazine, please email:

stgsmagazine @googlemail.com or phone: Marion Elliott 01743 792256 Disclaimer: each advert in this magazine has been devised by the advertiser in question.

St. George’s church accepts no responsibility for the standard or quality of goods and ser-

vices provided. St. George’s church accepts no liability for any loss or damage arising from

acceptance of any advertised trading.

Pontesbury WI meets on the

second Monday of each month

(except August),

at 2.00pm in Pontesbury Public

Hall.

New members are always welcome.

For more details

contact Sandra on

01743 791095

7

Looking at GOD

As Harvest and the theme of fruitfulness approaches, Joe Warton of the London Institute for Contemporary Christianity considers the effect of the Holy Spirit on our lives.

The Spirit of Fruitiness But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have cru-cified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. (Galatians 5:22-25) It was quarterly review time for Max, a personal banking manager. He sat opposite his area manager, cup of tea in hand, as shoppers pootled along the High Street below. ”So”, the area manager be-gan, “How do you feel things have been going since we last met?” “Pretty good,” answered Max. “I’ve definitely been feeling calmer at work; you know, less stressed… I guess more at peace with my-self.” “I’ve noticed that too,” she responded. “You do seem calmer; less irritable. I’ve not really heard you complain about anything. Can I ask why you think this is?” That conversation happened just a few months ago, and Max was able to share how he’d recently become a Christian, and what a difference God was making in his life. When God’s Holy Spirit makes Himself at home within us, our lives change. St Paul calls this ‘the fruit of the Spirit’. Fruit is a great metaphor. The fruit of the Spirit isn’t something we stick onto the outside of our lives, like baubles on a Christmas tree. Rather, it flows out from us, as we soak up the nutrients of God’s Word and His holy presence. We cannot force out this spiritual fruit by tapping into our inner resources or by trying harder.

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If you are unable to join our services, you may like to enjoy this month’s

Bible readings at home.

Date Services Readings 6th September 13th Sunday after Trinity

10.30am Holy Communion

Ezekiel 33: 7 - 11 Romans 13: 8—end Matthew 18: 15-20

13th September14th Sunday after Trinity

4.00pm Evening Prayer

Genesis 50: 15 - 21 Romans 14: 1 - 12 Matthew 18: 21—35

20th September

15th Sunday after Trinity

10.30am Giving Day

Jonah 3: 10 - 4:11 Philippians 1:21—30 Matthew 20: 1 - 16

27th September 16th Sunday after Trinity

10.30am Holy Communion

Ezekiel 18:1 - 4, 25—32 Philippians 2: 1 - 13 Matthew 21: 23 - 32

Services and Readings for this MONTH

St. GeorGe’S Prayer Chain is a small group of people who believe that prayer can make a difference. Each person within the group offers daily prayer for anyone who asks for prayer.

If you yourself or someone you know needs special prayer for any reason, please contact Mary Worrall on 01743 791069.

All information given is given in confidence. A name is enough if that is all you wish to give.

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Established 1919 Butchers * Bakers

Greengrocers * Flowers * Fish tel: 01743 790228

SUZANNE CLASSIC HAIR

Main Road, Pontesbury

Tel: 01743 791186

PONTESBURY PHARMACY

Dispensing Chemist

Your

Local Community Chemist

“ASK YOUR PHARMACIST”

Your health is our concern Our aim is your satisfaction

J.K.Lunt Ltd

01734 790273

5

QUOTE: Paul was thankful for others –brothers and sisters in Christ, fellow servants, ministry partners. In his correspondence Paul didn’t

just leave it at generalised expressions of gratitude – he often took time to identify specific individuals for whom he was grateful and to let them know how much he appreciated their contribution to his life.

Do we do that? - Nancy Leigh DeMoss

Prayer Pilgrimage

Starting in late August, Bishop Richard will be marking the return to school and work with a special prayer pilgrimage around our Diocese, on the four Saturdays leading up to the Gift Day on 20th September.

He will be visiting a total of 39 churches around the boundary of our Hereford Diocese. He is coming to the Pontesbury area on Saturday 5th September:

09:30 St. Michael & All Angels, Chirbury.

10:30 St. Michael, Ford.

11:15 St. Thomas, Great Hanwood.

Do go and join him if you can, you will be welcome at any or all of the churches at the times stated above. Full details of the Pilgrimage are on the Diocese of Hereford website.

And see the Bishop’s letter on page 27

4

ed to travel, we would be OK. Diphtheria, Polio, Smallpox, Leprosy were all things of the past for many of us. Then along comes Covid 19. No drugs to fix it, no previous treatment knowledge to draw on, no idea who might bring it to you, or how it would affect you, and sadly the growing sadness of loved ones affected, family or friends made very sick, some dying, and no guarantees for any-one. I will admit to being very scared at the beginning. At home we even got our affairs in order and sorted things to help our chil-dren, should we fall victim to the illness. Only now are people talk-ing about their reactions and feelings of depression openly, and for some, the struggle has been (and continues to be) a difficult mountain to climb. I’m still frightened by the prospect of some-thing I cannot control, but I have a loving family to talk to, and good friends to share with as we all tackle it together. (All socially distanced, and wearing masks of course!). And I have my Faith. In the absence of organised church ser-vices, I have, with the help of others, found different places and ways to seek Jesus’ will. The bible studies on the church website have been invaluable in this too. And I have learned to create alternative opportunities to express myself in prayer, albeit in a disorganised, but genuinely heartfelt way. I have even found more ways to sit in the quiet and listen for answers, because life has moved more slowly, with less pressure, and we’ve been forced by circumstance to take stock. Well as autumn approaches, the church is tentatively open-ing. Alternative styles of service are being explored and becoming the norm, and we are mostly accepting that the wearing of face-masks is here to stay. I now know that a mountain of toilet rolls won’t save me, and singing happy birthday twice while I wash my hands, is not a sign of dementia, but being prepared to trust in God, engaging with Him, and doing our best to share his love with others, will ensure we will all travel forward stronger, and more prepared than we started out.

Carolyn Lewis

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PHIL GRIFFITHS Local Plumber

Tap Replacement

and Plumbing Repairs Undertaken. New Taps Supplied and Fitted.

Full Range available. Established 35 years.

Tel: 01743 790046

Mobile : 07970 010148

3

September Thoughts How did we get to September, when it was March only last week? Do you remember the parable about the Wise and

Foolish virgins (Matthew 25: 1-13), five were prepared with oil for their lamps, and five forgot, and had to go off searching for some, thus missing the party? As any good Guide or Scout could tell you, the motto ‘Be Prepared’ is a wise one to embrace in all sorts of circumstances. Well the existence of my grandchildren will attest to the fact that I’m no longer a virgin, but I was pondering this parable dur-ing early Lockdown. As so many people rushed to ensure they had sufficient supplies to sit out a nuclear winter, thank goodness for local traders, and good neighbours who ensured no-one got left behind or forgotten. It was heart warming to see how the commu-nity pulled together for the common good, as we all tried to sort out the ‘New Normal’. Like many households, ours has been on lockdown for months. The garden is looking quite tidy, the house has been cleaned within an inch of its life, and the dogs have been walked regularly whatever the weather, just to get out. We’ve watched the birds and counted butterflies, and in the absence of library trips, Amazon Kindle has done rather well out of me as I kept pur-chasing lightweight novels to read instead of watching endless re-peats on TV. We’ve been blessed in that up to now, the virus has avoided us, however, the need for staying in and being careful was taken seriously as others not very far away from us, and some of our more distant family, were less fortunate. We learned to stay in contact us-ing the internet and Zoom, and we changed our shopping habits to minimise contact with the outside world. But how many of us thought of being prepared in other ways? Mentally? Spiritually? During modern times, we have be-come accustomed to the fact that for most of us, life is relatively easy compared to that of others who live in some less fortunate parts of the world. The concept of a disease that couldn’t be cured was consigned to the past. In our part of the world, if we got our ‘flu and pneumonia jabs each autumn, and other jabs if we want-

2

Rector & Curate Positions currently vacant Reader Emeritus

Mrs Dorothy Headland 790565 Churchwardens Mr Allen Marsden 791822

Mrs Mary Worrall 791069 Assistant Churchwardens

Mrs Helen McCall 790296 mobile 07985 312192 Mrs Heather Ryder 790359

Treasurer Mr Gerald Worrall 791069

PCC Secretary Mrs Valerie Butterworth 790587

West End Room Booking Contact Mrs Mary Worrall 791069

Organist & Choirmaster Position currently vacant Friday Club

Mrs Mary Worrall 791069

Little Dragons Mrs Valerie Butterworth 790587

Mothers’ Union Mrs Marion Elliott 792256

Prayer Chain Coordinator Mrs Mary Worrall 791069

Parish Visitors Team Mrs Marion Elliott 792256

Bell Tower Officers Captain: Mrs Sheila Bower 790294

Website Mr Richard Elliott 792256

webmaster@st-george.org.uk Magazine Editor

Mrs Sheila Bower 790294 Advertisements

Mrs Marion Elliott 792256 Printing team

Mrs Carolyn Lewis 860714 stgsprinting@gmail.com

The Parish of Pontesbury Contact details:

Contributions for St. George’s Magazine should be in by the 18TH of the previous month. It may not be possible to include

contributions received after this date until the following month.

Send E-mail & attachments to stgsmagazine@googlemail.com Please post handwritten articles to Ford Place, The Bank, Pontesbury Hill, SY5 0XX.

Website: www.st-george.org.uk

Items for inclusion in the Deanery News to be submitted by 10th of previous month to Alison Bebb - Keepers Cottage, Cruckmeole, Shrewsbury, SY5 8JN

Telephone: 01743 860158 email: alisonbebb5@gmail.com

QUOTE: History books will inevitably tell the story of a virus that swept the world in

2020. But it is up to us what that story will look like. Either… the story of a virus that … showed up the weakness, selfishness and frailty of people… or how people responded with their best, how the virus was a medical

but not a social tragedy. – Canon Will Hughes, Vicar of Petersfield, Portsmouth Diocese.

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What’s on? .... Nothing at the moment …. But when life returns to normal we’ll enjoy ….

Little Dragons A fun group for children under five and their Carers, Tuesdays 10:00 – 11:30 am in term time only. Contact: Val Butterworth 790587 or Marion Elliott 792256

Tea service Monthly, first Tuesday of the month, 2.30pm WER Contact: Marion Elliott 792256

Mothers’ Union Some Tuesdays at 2.30pm. Contact: Marion Elliott 792256

Bell ringing practice

Some Thursdays 7:30 - 9:00pm. Contact: Sheila Bower 790294

Coffee Fridays, 10:00 – 12:00 noon in the WER

Friday Club For children from Reception class to year 6. Fridays, 6:30 to 7:15pm Contact: Mary Worrall 791069

Choir practice Fridays, usually 12 noon in the church. Contact: Val Butterworth 790587

Men’s Breakfast Last Saturday of each month, 8.30am at the Horseshoes Inn. Contact: Phil Lambert 790857

Prayer Chain Contact: Mary Worrall, in confidence, 791069.

The West End Room - If You Want To Use it – Please Book It! To avoid the disappointment of double bookings, please first check availability on

the calendar on the church website, and then book your requirements with Mary Worrall 791069

September 2020

St. George’s Pontesbury

Magazine 50p